Which is Better between the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog?

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Carolina Dog Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Carolina Dog and for the German Shepherd Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Carolina Dog or the German Shepherd Dog.

Carolina Dog versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog while the German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the German Shepherd Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Carolina Dog versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog to the German Shepherd Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog

Factor Carolina Dog German Shepherd Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 75 to 95 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $500 $1280
Price Range $500 – $500 $800 – $1500
Temperament Score 66.7 percent 85.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Temperament Test
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Carolina Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the German Shepherd Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Carolina Dog. So, you should get the German Shepherd Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog are most different:

    • Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Carolina Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, German Shepherd Dogs are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Carolina Dogs are not easy to train. However, German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
    • Carolina Dogs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, German Shepherd Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Carolina Dogs get along well with other dogs. However, German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog

    The Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog are most similar:

    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    Size Comparison of Carolina Dog versus German Shepherd Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Carolina Dog versus German Shepherd Dog

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Carolina Dogs live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.

    Temperament of the German Shepherd Dog Versus the Carolina Dog

    The German Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the German Shepherd Dog is 85.3 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 85.3 percent, the German Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 3383 German Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of German Shepherd Dog

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Carolina Dog and German Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Carolina Dog puppies or how many German Shepherd Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Carolina Dog puppy or the German Shepherd Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus German Shepherd Dog

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the German Shepherd Dog

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the German Shepherd Dog?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?

    Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    German Shepherd Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. German Shepherd Dog

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the German Shepherd Dog?

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and German Shepherd Dogs?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the German Shepherd Dog?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the German Shepherd Dog?

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog versus German Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.